Ann Inspired: March of Dimes

Hi! My name is Paulina and I am the Director of Media at Ann Taylor. One of the upcoming regular features on our blog “Ann Inspired” features stories of inspiration from our many associates. For my “Ann Inspired” post I would like to talk to you about a cause that is close to my heart. My beautiful twin daughters, Chloe Hope and Isabelle Frances, were born premature on May 31, 2006, at just 26 weeks.

I held my breath in the delivery room as they performed an emergency c-section, and was thrilled when the NICU doctors told my husband and I that both babies were doing well.But that feeling of happiness did not last very long as Chloe died 2 days later.Isabelle fought for 5 weeks in the NICU, but her little body could only take so much and she died on July 3.Both of my girls died in my arms.

After all that I had been through, I knew I wanted to do everything I could to prevent this from happening to other families.By participating in the March of Dimes, I am able to share my story and educate people on all the great things the MOD does to prevent babies from being born too soon.It took a while for me to be able to talk about my experience, but I know it’s important, and that enabled me to find the courage and strength to share my story with others.

In 2007, my husband Josh and I formed Team Levine.That first year we raised $11,000; in 2008 $15,000; and in 2009 $19,000. This year we have raised over $37,000 and are the #1 Family Team in NYC as well as the #4-ranked family team in the country!

While I can never bring my girls back, I think the best way to honor their memory & give meaning to their lives is to dedicate myself to raising money for an organization that fights for babies.